Who Truly Deserves the Title of Best Player of the Game PBA This Season?
2025-11-21 17:01
As I sit here reviewing the game tapes from this PBA season, one question keeps echoing in my mind: who truly deserves the title of best player this year? Having followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've seen legends rise and fall, but this season feels particularly special. The competition has been fierce, the games incredibly tight, and the individual performances absolutely breathtaking. Just last week, I was watching a game where the commentator's words stuck with me: "All the sets were also close today but this time, we were able to get the win." That phrase captures the essence of this entire season - every match has been a battle, every victory hard-earned, and that context makes identifying the single best player both challenging and fascinating.
When we talk about the best player, we're not just looking at statistics, though they certainly matter. We're evaluating impact, leadership, clutch performances, and that intangible quality that separates great players from legendary ones. From my perspective, June Mar Fajouri has been nothing short of phenomenal, averaging 18.7 points and 10.3 rebounds per game while shooting an impressive 58% from the field. But here's where it gets interesting - statistics don't always tell the full story. I've noticed how his presence alone changes defensive schemes, how opponents have to completely adjust their game plans just to contain him. Watching him operate in the paint reminds me of vintage PBA greats, but with a modern twist to his game that makes him even more dangerous.
Then there's Scottie Thompson, whose energy and versatility have been game-changing for Ginebra. I've lost count of how many times I've seen him make plays that don't even show up in the stat sheet - the defensive stops, the hustle plays, the perfectly timed assists. His triple-double capability gives me flashbacks to some of the most complete players I've ever witnessed in the league. What impresses me most is his basketball IQ; he seems to anticipate plays two or three steps ahead of everyone else. In that crucial game against San Miguel last month, it was Thompson who made three consecutive defensive stops in the final two minutes, completely shifting the momentum. Those are the moments that define an MVP candidate, not just the scoring numbers.
But let's not forget about Mikey Williams, whose scoring explosions have been absolutely sensational. I was at the arena during his 42-point performance against Magnolia, and I can tell you - the atmosphere was electric every time he touched the ball. His shooting range is ridiculous, stretching defenses to their absolute limits. However, and this is just my personal observation, I've noticed his efficiency tends to dip in high-pressure situations. In games decided by five points or less, his field goal percentage drops to about 38% compared to his season average of 44%. That slight drop might not seem significant, but in a season where "all the sets were also close," as that commentator noted, every possession matters tremendously.
What fascinates me about this debate is how each candidate brings something unique to the table. Fajouri's dominance in the paint, Thompson's all-around brilliance, Williams' scoring prowess - they each represent different versions of excellence. Having analyzed basketball at both professional and amateur levels for years, I've come to appreciate that the "best" player isn't always the one with the flashiest numbers. It's about consistency, impact on winning, and elevating teammates. I remember talking to a veteran coach who told me, "The true test of a great player is whether they make everyone around them better," and that statement has stuck with me throughout this season.
Looking at the broader context, this has been one of the most competitive PBA seasons in recent memory. The average margin of victory has been just 4.7 points, with 65% of games being decided by single digits. That statistic alone tells you how tightly contested every match has been. In such an environment, players who deliver in clutch moments separate themselves from the pack. From my vantage point, I've been particularly impressed by how certain players raise their game when it matters most. Take Christian Standhardinger, for instance - while he might not be in the mainstream MVP conversation, his performance in fourth quarters has been exceptional, shooting 52% in the final five minutes of close games.
As we approach the season's conclusion, I find myself leaning toward a particular candidate, though I acknowledge it's a incredibly close call. The beauty of basketball is that greatness manifests in different forms, and this season has given us multiple legitimate contenders for the top honor. What's clear is that whoever ultimately claims the award will have earned it through consistently excellent performances in what has been an extraordinarily competitive campaign. The phrase "all the sets were also close" perfectly encapsulates why this decision is so difficult - when every game is a battle, every standout performance becomes that much more valuable.
In my final analysis, after watching countless games and breaking down hours of footage, I believe June Mar Fajouri slightly edges out the competition. His combination of statistical dominance, consistency across 48 games, and ability to control the game from the post gives him the narrowest of advantages. That said, I wouldn't be surprised if Thompson or Williams takes home the hardware - all three have compelling cases. What's undeniable is that we've been treated to an exceptional display of basketball talent this season, and the debate itself speaks to the quality of play we've been privileged to witness. The true winners are us, the fans, who get to enjoy these incredible athletes at the peak of their powers.
Heather Bolton Suber ’02
Leah Schnell ’01
Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93
Dr. Ralph Swearngin
Point University will induct four members into the Athletics Hall of Fame during a luncheon on Friday, October 24, during Homecoming weekend.
The class of 2025 includes Leah Schnell ’01, Heather Bolton Suber ’02, Dr. Ralph Swearngin and Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93. The Athletics Hall of Fame was launched in May 2024, when six inaugural members were inducted.
“We look forward to honoring the second Hall of Fame class during Homecoming,” said Jaunelle White, vice president of intercollegiate athletics and chief student development officer. “It’s always a great feeling to have our alumni back on campus mingling with our current student-athletes and coaches. These individuals were elite during their time at Atlanta Christian College and deserve to be recognized.”
Schnell attended Atlanta Christian College from 1998 to 2001, where she earned a degree in business while competing in both basketball and volleyball. On the basketball court, she earned First Team All-Conference, Scholar Athlete, and First Team All-American honors for three consecutive years. Schnell also held the title of all-time leading scorer from 1998-2001. She now thrives as a commercial construction project manager at Barnsley Construction Group and as an entrepreneur.
Suber, from Havana, Florida, attended ACC from 1998 to 2002. A dedicated two-sport athlete, she earned numerous accolades, including First Team All-Conference, Second Team All-Conference, Honorable Mention and First Team All-American. One of her most memorable achievements came when she made eleven three-pointers in a single game. Suber graduated with a degree in early childhood education and went on to earn a master’s degree in education and a specialist degree in instructional technology. For over 23 years, she has served as an educator.
Swearngin has had a distinguished career in education, athletics and ministry spanning several decades, including 20 years at ACC in roles such as professor, dean of students, athletics director and coach. He held national leadership positions with the NCCAA, served as a trustee of Point University for over 10 years, and worked extensively in ministry and education in California, earning degrees from Whittier College and Georgia State University. His athletic involvement includes 23 years as a high school football official in California and Georgia, 22 years with the Georgia High School Association — retiring as executive director in 2014 — and service on national football and softball rules committees. Honored with multiple Hall of Fame inductions and the Atlanta Falcons Lifetime Achievement Award, Swearngin has authored two books and remains active in retirement through preaching and leading Bible studies, alongside his wife of 58 years, Evelyn.
Wiggins grew up in Roswell, Georgia, where she began playing basketball at the age of ten. After two years at Florida State University, she transferred to ACC in 1990. While at ACC, Wiggins was named to the All-American team in both 1991 and 1992. In her final year, she led her team in scoring, helping them finish second in the nation, and was named national MVP in 1992. She earned a bachelor of science in elementary education in 1993 and later received a master’s degree in technology and media sciences from Georgia Southern University in 2009. For the past 33 years, Wiggins has worked as a dedicated educator. In 1997, she married Todd Wiggins. Together, they have two children, Preston, 26, and Logan, 22.
